Update on Omer — June 2023

Sandra Dunham

The situation remains stalled. It is frustrating beyond belief that Omer — along with 37 other refugees destined for Canada — remain in Nepal, a full year after their visas were granted and their medicals completed. We were so very hopeful in January that Omer’s arrival in Canada was imminent. And now, we are back to waiting. 

Here’s an outline of our involvement with Omer:

January 2020. At the request of the Secular Rescue program of CFI U.S., CFIC stepped up to assist Omer.

April 2020. Omer, like the rest of the world, faced a pandemic. A series of lockdowns made it difficult for Omer to be able to access funds we made available to him. Fortunately, his landlord lent him funds for groceries and he repaid those funds when banks were open. 

June 2020. We celebrated with Omer when he received notice from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that his application for permanent residency had been approved, and that his file was transferred to the Canadian Embassy in New Delhi, India, for processing. 

September 2020. We brought you a live interview — “When Doubting Means Death” — between Ali Rizvi and Omer.

February 2021. We heard from Omer himself, about his experiences in Nepal. We also learned about the $5-per-day overstay fees that are now creating a significant delay. We also began to hear about the other refugees experiencing similar, often more challenging plights than Omer. 

May 2021. Omer let us know about the toll that living in exile has had on his health. 

August 2021. We celebrated Omer’s improving health and vaccination.

November 2021. We were reminded that Canada’s discriminatory Less Complex Claims process is one of the reasons for Omer’s long exile. We relaunched the now-successful petition to change this.

February 2022. Omer received his Interim Federal Health Certificate of Eligibility.

September 2022. Our hopes that Omer would arrive in Canada in 2022 were dashed. Canada’s processing of Afghan refugees further slowed the immigration process.

January 2023. We celebrated Omer’s official approval for entry to Canada. We anticipated Omer’s imminent arrival.

April 2023. We heard once again the shocking and sad news that Omer’s wait would continue.

It becomes more and more frustrating as we await the news that Omer is on a flight bound for Calgary. As frustrating as it is for us, it is even more so for Omer, who has spent far too much of his life in hiding and in exile. Thank you to those who continue to donate to ensure that Omer is fed and housed.